ADRIAN — Jillian Molnar is on a roll.

Less than one year after publishing her first children’s book, “The Ghost Goat,” the Lenawee County author has released her second book, “Mr. Bow’s Great Escape.”

A 2022 Britton Deerfield High School graduate, Molnar is currently studying at Adrian College, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in secondary English education. Her higher education goals also include a master’s degree in education in curriculum, instruction and assessment, and a reading endorsement certificate.

Molnar said her love for writing goes back to her first year in school.

“When I was in kindergarten, I would write stories and draw pictures to go along with them, and it was actually my kindergarten teacher, Colleen Connolly, who told me she thought I’d make a great author one day.”

In her latest book, Mr. Bow, a donkey, is a “loving little animal on our small farm,” and the story follows him on “his great escape of a day,” according to Molnar. 

Molnar credits friends and family for encouraging her to “just do it” when bringing her creativity to book pages.

“I was a bit hesitant writing my first book, because I did not think it would go anywhere and I didn’t even know where to start,” she said. “…but my friend and local children’s author Dori Durbin helped me immensely in giving me step-by-step information and tips on how to self-publish. Without her I would have had no clue where to start.”

Molnar took the chance, and “it opened so many doors for me.” 

Molnar has shared her book and writing experiences with students at Onsted, Blissfield and Britton Deerfield elementary schools, receiving valuable feedback and inspiration along the way.

“It feels amazing to have the chance to inspire so many young minds and be someone that they can look up to,” she said. 

Molnar designed her own book layouts, a task she said at first took “a lot of experimenting and practice to make it look presentable.” 

“However, when I got to my second book, ‘Mr. Bow’s Great Escape,’ I had a better idea and understanding of what I wanted and how to make it that way.”

Molnar said she is the first teacher education student at Adrian College to begin a five-year master’s program, under guidance and mentoring from Kyle Griffith and Vanessa Morrison. 

When not writing or studying, Molnar is a member of Young Life, a Christian young adult association, and is a member of Adrian College’s honor program, currently holding a 4.0 GPA.

“I was able to grow my relationship with God and build so many positive relationships with classmates and campus friends who also want to grow their relationship with God and understand their faith better,” she said. “It’s been life-changing; I am so grateful for it.”

Molnar is set to take a half-year break to start work on her third book, a project as-yet undeveloped but with a few ideas “brewing.”

“Being a junior in the thick of schooling right now is keeping me busy enough, and I really want to not only ensure I keep my grades up, but give myself time with my amazing family to enjoy myself and have downtime when I can find it,” she said.

Molnar said she is looking to teach high school English after graduation, ultimately advancing to the role of college professor.

“I have had amazing experiences with school,” she said. “My teachers throughout my educational career have been nothing short of amazing, and I love to read and write.”

Molnar’s interest in giving students an opportunity to tap into what makes their hearts sing drives her to meet her own education and career goals.

“I want to help students uncover what sparks their creativity and passion, and for them to understand that each and every one of them is valuable and holds a key component to making the world a better place,” Molnar said.

The Dundee Branch Library in Monroe County has a few copies of her book available for checkout, Molnar said. She is reaching out to bookstores specializing in hosting shelf space for Michigan authors, and a few copies have turned up in a Canadian library. She is also looking at local stores or venues through which she may sell copies. 

“It’s a neat feeling knowing that your work is out there for people to pick up and connect to,” Molnar said.

Both books, “The Ghost Goat” and “Mr. Bow’s Great Escape” may be found for sale online at Barnes & Noble and Amazon.